Senior Commercial Manager

Company Description

The UK Government has established [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], a subsidiary of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

As an employee of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible)
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Generous annual leave (25 days + 3 Christmas closure + 2.5 privilege days + UK bank holidays)
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive

A full list of benefits can be found here.

The salary for this role is £73,190. This role includes a non‑contractual and non‑pensionable specialist allowance of up to £7,900 for candidates who possess CIPS/MCIPS certifications. This permanent position is to be based in West Burton, Nottinghamshire. For more information on [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], visit: Candidate Recruitment Pack.

Job Description

The Role

As a Senior Commercial Manager, you will be a key leader ensuring the effective procurement, execution, and management of high-value contracts. You will work at the heart of a world-class engineering programme, shaping contract strategy and enabling industry partnerships that will drive the realisation of fusion energy.

Contract Strategy & Delivery

• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of complex contracts, including supply, engineering, and service agreements.
• Ensure contract terms align with programme goals, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Drive a collaborative approach to contract management, ensuring fair and productive relationships with Whole Plant Partners.
• Provide expert risk assessment and mitigation strategies for contractual obligations.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle, ensuring all milestones and deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.
• Develop and maintain robust tracking and reporting systems to monitor contract performance.
• Lead the resolution of contract disputes, working closely with legal, technical, and sourcing teams.
• Maintain compliance with all commercial, legal, and regulatory frameworks.

Team Leadership & Development

• Oversee and develop a cross-functional commercial team, including [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] employees and Whole Plant Partner representatives.
• Stay ahead of industry advancements in fusion energy and apply insights to optimise contract strategies.
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance culture, ensuring seamless integration across teams.
• Mentor and coach team members, providing guidance on complex contract management issues.
• Lead on continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial processes and supplier performance.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and ensure contract compliance across all stakeholders.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary contact for all contract-related matters within your IPT.
• Work closely with technical and commercial teams to drive contract performance.
• Provide training and support to internal teams on best practices in contract management.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, ensuring [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] values are reflected in all partnerships and negotiations.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Qualifications

We are looking for a seasoned contract management professional with a track record of success in complex, high-value engineering projects.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• MCIPS or RICS Qualification (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in senior contract management, ideally in engineering, or major infrastructure projects.
• Strong expertise in NEC contracts, procurement strategies, and commercial frameworks.
• Experience leading small to medium-sized commercial teams and delivering strategic outcomes.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated environment, ensuring strict compliance.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience working cross-functionally.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on long-term collaborative partnerships.
• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, evolving programme.

Desirable Experience:

• Accredited Government Commercial Practitioner (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience managing Joint Ventures or Consortia Contracts.
• Public sector knowledge, including experience working with government regulations and policies.
• Track record of implementing commercial transformation initiatives.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under-represented groups. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is committed to being accessible. Please email [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] if you have any questions or require adjustments. This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) including DBS checks. For applicants outside the UK, see criminal records checks for overseas applicants. Vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks. Apply via the 'I'm interested' links.